A pilot from Cambridge has pedaled his way to a new world record after successfully cycled non-stop across seven countries – in just 24 hours.

British Airways (BA) pilot James van der Horn, 28, cycled through a total of seven countries in the 24-hour period, accompanied by fellow pilot Thomas Reynolds, also 28.

Setting off from Croatia, the pair clocked up more than 300 miles in the saddle and journeyed through Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland.

The duo fly from Gatwick and Heathrow to five of these countries in their roles as Airbus 320 short-haul pilots, which allowed them to train in some of them before taking the plunge.

But it wasn't just about a physical challenge as James and Thomas are hoping their feat will raise at least £5,000 for Flying Start, a charity partnership between BA and Comic Relief.

British Airways pilots James van der Hoorn and Tom Reynolds have broken a world record (Image: Stuart Bailey / British Airways)

First officer James, who grew up in Cambridge but now lives in London, said: “It's been a long journey but everything went to plan in the end and we had terrific support along the way.

“As pilots, things like planning, routing and preparing back-up plans are all part of our training and part of our everyday lives as flight crew so that experience really came in handy for this challenge.

“It's a great feeling to have done it, and a very humbling thought that we may have helped some kids living difficult lives along the way."

The record-breaking pilots now hold the Guinness World Records team title for 'Most countries visited by bicycle in 24 hours'.

Thomas added: “We're really proud to get the record, but more importantly to raise the money for the Flying Start charity.

“It's a great cause and if we've made even the slightest difference it will make all the effort totally worthwhile."